Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc is pleased to announce the appointment of Louis Cowie as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations at its Fort Smith facility. Bringing more than three decades of manufacturing leadership, Cowie offers a strong history of driving operational excellence, building engaged teams, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Originally from Paris, Arkansas, Cowie was drawn to Hytrol’s strong community ties and its values-driven approach to business.
“Hytrol’s faith-based foundation and its commitment to people and community are what immediately stood out to me,” said Mr Cowie. “The company’s emphasis on teamwork, professional development, and operational excellence aligns perfectly with my own philosophy. I look forward to contributing to Hytrol’s ongoing success and growth.”
Mr Cowie earned his MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University and has accumulated extensive experience across several industries. His previous positions include Production Manager at General Motors, Director of Manufacturing at Haworth Office Furniture, Vice President of Operations for VIP Cinema Seating, Vice President of Production at The Shade Store, and Chief Operating Officer for Balfour & Co.
His career achievements have been recognized with multiple awards, including General Motors’ Best of the Best Award and Haworth’s Chairman’s Honor Award. In his new capacity at Hytrol, Mr Cowie will oversee all manufacturing operations in Fort Smith, focusing on workforce development, expanding production capabilities, and supporting the company’s continued growth trajectory. He will work closely with Chief Operations Officer Jason Peters, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations Todd McClung, and other leaders from the Jonesboro and Fort Smith teams to advance Hytrol’s operational objectives.
“Louis brings an impressive blend of experience and leadership that aligns seamlessly with Hytrol’s mission and values,” said Jason Peters, COO of Hytrol. “His emphasis on people, process, and purpose will play a key role in strengthening our Fort Smith operations and preparing us for the next phase of growth.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr Cowie is passionate about mentoring teams and building workplaces grounded in collaboration, learning, and civic engagement. Outside of work, he and his wife, Eva, enjoy cooking, home improvement projects, motorcycling, and golfing. The couple has four children and two grandchildren, and Cowie remains close with his six siblings, most of whom live nearby.
Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of advanced material handling systems for a broad range of industries. Since its founding, Hytrol has remained dedicated to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. As the largest conveyor manufacturer in the United States, Hytrol delivers customized solutions through its Integration Partner Network, a group of more than 100 independent businesses worldwide that collaborate to design, implement, and support tailored material handling systems.
